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Observation: Ben Lomond

Observation Date
1/1/2023
Observer Name
K. Brown, B. Brown, C. Ward
Region
Ogden » Ben Lomond
Location Name or Route
Greater Cutler zone
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Comments
Travel today from 5600 to 8300 feet, skied E through N slopes from 8300 to 6500. Breakable crust was evident under the new snow below about 7100 feet. About 18 cm of new snow, some cracking with each step but seemed to be bonding pretty well to the old snow surface. A quick pit at 7600 feet ENE showed the more concerning layer to be about 70 cm down. This layer gave results of ECTP11, with a clean shear. We avoided any slope over 30 degrees as I think this layer could produce an avalanche if triggered from a thin spot or steep rollover. Total snow depth was 190cm in this fairly sheltered spot. Wind was not actively loading the new snow while we were out.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates